The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the development of the Maritime Singapore Master Plan, set for release in 2027, to enhance the nation’s maritime competitiveness amidst a challenging global environment. The plan will focus on strengthening Singapore as a global hub port, advancing its status as an International Maritime Centre, and fostering maritime technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence and research and development.
The MPA will engage with businesses, industry stakeholders, and the public to gather feedback and co-create a shared vision. A local industry panel will also be formed to provide insights on opportunities and challenges. The plan aims to build on the sector’s growth, which has seen over 200 international shipping groups establish a presence in Singapore and created approximately 2,000 professional, managerial, and executive jobs for locals in the past five years.
To support talent development, the MPA will introduce the Maritime Cluster Fund – Global Rotation, co-funding overseas deployments for local middle managers. Additionally, the Maritime Cluster Fund – Management Associate scheme will be streamlined to facilitate career development programmes for young professionals.
In a bid to anchor maritime innovation in Singapore, the MPA will launch a new innovation track under the Maritime Cluster Fund – Business Development scheme. This initiative will attract maritime companies to establish innovation and technology teams in Singapore, with co-funding for costs such as rentals and salaries.
Furthermore, from the second half of 2026, the MPA will expand trials of unmanned surface vessels in Singapore’s port waters, focusing on surveillance and hydrographic operations. These trials aim to enhance safety and efficiency, with findings supporting the integration of such vessels into port operations.
The MPA is also advancing its Maritime Digital Twin initiative, with pilots set to improve coordination in supply services and incident response. These efforts will leverage real-time data to enhance service reliability and situational awareness.
Finally, the Just-In-Time Planning and Coordination Platform, launched in 2024, continues to optimise port operations, with trials for tankers commencing by March 2026. The completion of Maritime 5G coverage in 2025 further supports these initiatives, enabling real-time applications and enhancing maritime operations.
